It has been over 5 years since Hannah’s abduction on March 14th 2003, as she walked back to her Portswood home after a night out with a friend. The trial was delayed due to a lengthy extradition process of the accused Maninder Pal Singh Kohli. Kohli is thought to have fled to India following the crime.

Hannah’s body was discovered two days after her disappearance by a 14 year old boy in Allington Lane, to the West of the city. Crimewatch broadcast an appeal two days following this, and although Kohli had already left the country, his ex-boss made a connection and reported his concerns to the police.

Foster was a student at Barton Peveril College, Eastleigh and had hoped to become a doctor. Her family were emotional as the jury heard a distressing recording of a 999 call made by Hannah as she was abducted. This desperate last attempt to get help was cut off by an operator as car noise and incoherent speech persisted.

The prosecution seem to have a strong case as forensic evidence matches Kohli’s DNA with traces found on Hannah’s clothes, a one in a billion match. However Kohli’s ex boss, Mr Dennis, is accused by the defense of framing his ex-employee as a form of revenge for an affair Kohli conducted with Dennis’ wife. Kohli denies all charges and Dennis vehemently denies accusations of framing Kohli.

Widespread coverage of the Hannah Foster trial highlights more recent incidents in Southampton, with an attack in Palmerston Park on a 24-year old woman late on the 16th October. The woman, who was attacked from behind and dragged into a bush, had been separated from her friends after a night out at Reflex.

Police are appealing for witnesses in this case and are working to ensure revellers do not make themselves vulnerable to attack. A new initiative sees those on a night out in the city centre receive text messages from the police suggesting simple precautionary measures. These include staying in large groups and keeping to well lit main roads.

We at the Wessex Scene implore you all to take care and keep your enjoyable night out just that.